Tigers to give Castellanos shot at making roster

The Detroit Tigers are giving highly-touted prospect Nick Castellanos a chance to make the major league roster.

Castellanos was among 17 nonroster players invited Wednesday to the Tigers' spring training in Lakeland, Florida. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12 and the full squad arrives three days later.

Castellanos, a 6-foot 4-inch 210-pound prospect, hit .320 with 10 home runs and 57 RBIs in 2012 between Lakeland and Erie. He played 79 games with the SeaWolves last season and made the move to right field to become a more enticing prospect for the Tigers. Castellanos was drafted as a shortstop and moved to third base shortly after. He will turn 21 on March 3.

Kelly, 32, was maybe the most surprising name on the list after being designated for assignment last August by the Tigers. Kelly has a .232 batting average in 363 major league games, including 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He was given an opt-out clause if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.

Castellanos could compete with fellow outfield prospects Collins and Fields for a roster spot, while McCann and Casali will be in the mix at catcher. McCann was the Tigers' second-round draft pick in 2011 and hit .200 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in 64 games in Erie last season.

The Erie SeaWolves open the season April 4 against Altoona, while the Tigers begin the 2013 season in Minnesota on April 1. Detroit's home opener is April 5 against the New York Yankees.